We chose the Headwinds turn...
We chose the Headwinds turn signals in a black finish with chrome ends to match the bike. The 2 amp load equalizer was needed since the LEDs will use much less wattage than the halogen bulbs.
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We have a '06 Sporty that needed some rear turn signals in the worst way since we ditched the stockers long ago and Johnny Law was becoming our best friend. Headwinds, in Monrovia, California, makes a cool set of 1 3/8-inch LED Rocket rear turn signals (starting at $239.95) that are bright as hell, and not big and clunky looking. They're made of billet aluminum and are available in many finishes: polish, chrome, brass, black nickel, anodize, and more, and you can choose different LED colors for turn or brake lights to boot. They'll fit just about any Harley and can be used for custom applications, too. Since this is an LED unit, a load equalizer was required ($16.95). Headwinds also offers an array of headlamps and headlamp bulbs and recommended we install a xenon gas bulb ($30.95) in our headlamp to replace the standard halogen bulb. The xenon bulb is brighter and whiter than a standard halogen bulb because the xenon gas inside the bulb and the blue dichroic mirror applied to the outside changes the wavelength to produce about 55 percent more light than the standard halogen iodine bulb, according to Headwinds.
Without a load equalizer,...
Without a load equalizer, the LEDs would blink rapidly because the output is drastically reduced, which is common with a lot of bikes when stock bulbs go bad.
We also had a '05 Softail that had some aftermarket turn signals installed but this was a problem because we couldn't use Harley's docking hardware for sissy bar/luggage racks due to their location. Alloy Art, in Glendora, California, makes the Softail Strut Light (SSL), a turn signal kit that goes for $141.95 and features a streamlined design that mounts flush to your fender strut covers. Hell, it looks like you're not running any blinkers at all. You can choose different bulb/lens covers: amber/smoke, red/smoke, or red/red to fit your needs. This design allows you to strap on the sissy bar with no problems. Because the previous turn signals were LEDs, a load equalizer had already been installed, which made installation easy.
1 Since the turn signal wires...
1 Since the turn signal wires weren't long enough we soldered some extension wires and covered them with shrink-wrap on both sides to make due.
2 We routed the turn signal...
2 We routed the turn signal wires from the ignition control module (brown, purple) along with the "run" wires (blue) that we tapped with blue connectors (arrows) back to each turn signal. Next, we threaded the new turn signal wires through the hex head cap screws and installed each turn signal finger tight.
3 The new turn signals look...
3 The new turn signals look good with the Sparto taillight, like a trinity of illumination.
4 Next, we mounted the load...
4 Next, we mounted the load equalizer (two purple wires, one black ground wire). We used connectors to tap the load equalizer wires into each turn signal wire (purple to purple for the left, and purple to brown for the right). The ground wire was mounted to an ignition control module stud (arrow). Don't let the red terminal fool you. It's ground.
5 We made our way back to...
5 We made our way back to the wiring in the rear and soldered the purple turn signal wire on the left to the white LED wire. On the right, we soldered the brown turn signal wire to the white LED wire. Both blue run-light wires were soldered to the brown wires on the LED bulbs. Then we tucked all the wiring underneath the fender, tightened the turn signals down, and installation was complete.
6 Here's a look at the LEDs...
6 Here's a look at the LEDs in action. Nice and bright, and hopefully the smokies won't pull us over every chance they get!